June Update #2: Summer Plans

Hello supporters,

I hope you are all enjoying your summer months, wherever you may be!  Here is the promised second update for the month of June, as it did not all fit into one email.

KCA Class of 2012
Graduation was held this year on May 24.  Of these 12 students, I had taught all but 1 of them at some point.

KCA Teachers/Staff and the class of 2012!

These students are traveling in multiple directions this next year -- some going to Christian universities, others attending state schools.  For 2 graduates who have lived in Ukraine nearly their entire lives, their families have already moved out of Ukraine.  These students (plus a handful of others, including their siblings) may have American passports, but "home" to them is Ukraine.  If you ask a missionary kid "Where are you from?" you will be met with a blank stare or a 15 minute explanation of their life story.

My Precalculus class and I

Pray for these students -- the graduates and the others who have moved away from Ukraine.  Pray for a smooth transition into life in America (or Korea) as they navigate a culture that will seem foreign.  Pray for them to rely on God's strength and love as a solid foundation and "home" for them.  Pray for close Christian friends to support them during this time!

Summer Tasks:
This summer, I am wrapping up 3 years of life in Ukraine.  My primary goal is to compile all my English lesson plans and materials into a cohesive PDF document to leave here.  (Currently, they are in a pile on my bedroom floor.)

At my desk before taking down my photos

I spent one full day at KCA, sorting through my curriculum folders, digitizing some materials, and recycling 3"/8cm of paper!  Now my materials are organized and ready for the next teacher!

At home, I organized and cleaned my shkafs (shkaf = closet/shelves/storage) in preparation for the next residents.  This place never was so tidy -- and it might only last a week, but for now, it's nice!

Saying Goodbyes:
"Good goodbyes lead to good hellos" (from a re-entry workshop I attended).
Ukraine has been my home for the past 3 years.  The people here are family to me.  Kiev First Church of the Nazarene is my home church.  Since my college days, it is the only one I've attended for at least 4 weeks in a row.  When people ask what I do, I answer, "Teach math/Bible at KCA."

My last time to see Bob and Josh Skinner, and the first dinner I served Ree and Joey Sumi

Now, things are changing.  I have said many goodbyes and cried many tears already.  Most of my goodbyes have been to people from school, and I've been able to have some quality time with a few of them once school finished.  I said goodbye to my roommate-of-2-years Amy on the 29th, but knowing I will see her and a few others at her wedding makes the goodbyes a little easier.

Newbies:
Our entire Nazarene mission team has changed over the course of my three years here, and it has been hard to watch my friends leave.  However, the new team is assembled and they have had their meetings recently.

Ree and Joey Sumi, pictured above, have arrived and will be living in my apartment.  For now, we are flatmates and I am helping them get settled.  As I show them around the neighborhood and how to navigate public transport or pay bills at the bank, I realize just how far I've come in 3 years.

Ree and I outside the memorial/museum for "The Great Patriotic War Against the Fascists" (WW2)

It was four years ago that I arrived in Ukraine for a summer trip, and I didn't realize then that I would come back for 3 years of teaching.  Now, I am no longer the "newbie," because I can pass along my knowledge of Ukrainian culture and history (thanks to the Skinners and Wrights!)!

Upcoming Dates/Plans:
~Now until July 1:  Euro 2012 football (aka soccer) championships--I've enjoyed watching the matches on TV and cheering for Ukraine and the Netherlands!
~Visit Chernivtsi (Western Ukraine) and Poltava (Eastern Ukraine)
July 7: American Chamber of Commerce hosts an American Independence Day picnic
July 12: Depart Ukraine :(

Praises:
*Opportunities for quality time and good goodbyes with friends this summer
*The opportunity to support the other missionaries on our team
*God is teaching me more and more to rely on Him, and not on the people or places around me, for stability/constancy:  "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.  Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God" (Psalm 90:1-2).

Prayer Requests:
*KCA students who have graduated or moved to other countries
*For me as I transition out of Ukraine and make plans for America

*The new Nazarene mission team, that they would have a smooth transition in and that Ukrainians would be accepting of them

How can I pray for you?

In Christ,
Jessica

June Update #1: Ministry in Ukraine

Hello, my long-neglected supporters!

I apologize for the length of time between updates, but the past month and half have been packed full for me.  Rather than bore you to tears with paragraphs upon paragraphs, I will just share stories via photographs, as a summary.

KCA Junior-Senior Trip to Prague, Czech Republic
In this beautiful city, I had a wonderful time with 11th and 12th graders on their class trip.  It was a relaxed time, outside of the classroom, and I got to see more of their hearts and interests.  We went sightseeing, had great conversations, and just enjoyed our times together.  I also enjoyed one-on-one conversations, or late night talks, with some of the girls -- I'm so glad God gave this opportunity to hear their stories!

Nate and Alexia convinced me to try Bubble Tea -- yum!

One afternoon, these lovely ladies (Grace, Jung, Victoria, & Yoon Na) and I wandered around the city

"Czech" out more photos on my Facebook page.

 Tobias, 5th grade miracle
While in Prague, we received word that Jop's (pronounced "Yopp") younger brother had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and his family was flying home to the Netherlands for more testing.  A few days later, Tobias had surgery to remove what was eventually identified as a benign tumor.  Approximately one month later, he, his mom, and youngest sister returned home to Kiev.

Sadly, he missed the ceremony on the last day of school, but because he was out of the hospital, he was able to attend his 5th grade "step up" graduation via Skype!

There's Tobias on the screen, with his friend Julian holding the computer.
Our headmaster is presenting him with his certificate.

The KCA community, plus friends of the family around the world, prayed for this little boy and his family.  Nothing like this has ever happened in the history of KCA.  What's more, we had a new teacher arrive this year who had ALSO survived a brain tumor!  God's timing this year has been amazing, and the other day, I saw Tobias at school catching up on his assignments.

Last English Lesson at Obolon

The class presented me with a card on which each of them had written an English phrase, many choosing to write, "I love Jessica."  I hope that now and in the future, these kids will have many more opportunities to grow, but more importantly, ways in which they can grow closer to Christ.

Track Meets, 2012
This year, we had 3 different track meets, and I'm so glad I was part of the coaching staff again this year.  Here are some photos:

Middle/high school teams plus coaches

Bogdan, 8th grade, running in one of the relay races

The Middle School team!

Upcoming Events:
June 5: New volunteer missionary couple, the Sumis, arrive.
July 12: Depart Ukraine one last time.  :(

Sneak preview of the next update (since it was too long for one):

*KCA Graduates of the class of 2012

*Saying farewell to many friends who have become like family

*Summer plans

Praises:
*My NTS course is finished!  I got an A!  Hooray!
*An amazing 3 years of work/ministry/life at KCA
*Time to enjoy a few weeks of summer here in Ukraine and spend time with friends

Prayer Requests:
*Smooth transitions for all entering and leaving Ukraine during these summer months
*That God would continue to shape my heart so that I can love Him more
*My friend Masha's uncle's deteriorating health and family members caring for him

Thank you for all your support -- I'm so thankful for your prayers and encouragement during this time in Ukraine!

In Christ,
Jessica

April Update

Dear friends and family,

Христос воскрес (Christ is risen)!  Yesterday we celebrated Easter with a 6am sunrise service.

I rode the metro at 5:30am with these people who were taking their Easter baskets to be blessed by the Orthodox priest

Our gathering

Katya (a little girl I've mentioned in previous updates) and Bekah (a new MK) in the bell choir

After the sunrise service, I went back to the Skinners' home and napped for just over an hour.  Then Philip (our pastor's son) and I CYCLED to church!  That was a lot of fun -- the roads were very empty, and I had never cycled in Kiev before!

So many familiar faces were at the 11:00 service -- we've had a handful of people leave during this recent year.  I was surprised to see people I hardly ever saw, or hadn't seen since the last school year.  Following the service, we visited with some people and had tea and Easter bread (click link for photo).

Then, that evening, I streamed most of the Sunday morning service from the Mid-Atlantic District Assembly!  Though I am far away, I was able to "attend" a few of the sessions on Saturday too.  :)

Supportive Ministry

Much of my ministry here in Ukraine as a volunteer and teacher is meant to support the full-time missionaries already on the field.  Teaching the students, and showing love to them, caring for their needs, is indeed ministry in itself.  For the parents, this means that they can do the work to which God has called them (without having to homeschool their kids), knowing their children are receiving a quality Biblical education.

Yet this support takes other temporary forms as well.  Last week, I stayed with a family of 4 children/teens from school-- one 11th grade girl, 2 8th graders, and 1 8-year-old girl.  Their dad (a doctor) and mom (a pediatric nurse, I think) had planned a medical outreach in a village an hour north of Kyiv.  Both of them could participate -- as long as their kids had a responsible adult with them for the day.  The kids/teens and I hung out, played games, drew with sidewalk chalk, did puzzles, and of course ate meals.  I don't teach any of the older kids any more, so it was nice to catch up with them.

Sidewalk chalk art

When the parents returned, they thanked me for making it possible for both of them to travel and participate in this outreach.  Since I stayed with the kids, Mrs. was able to travel with her husband (and a few others) to serve the people of Ivankiv and help with the church-planting efforts in that village.  This is just one small way in which YOUR support is benefitting so many people besides just me.  YOUR support benefits the students, their parents, plus Ukrainians I have never met!  God has taken your support of "my" ministry (which is really His work) and multiplied it farther!

The End is Near...

There are 34 days left of school, and just under 3 months until I leave Ukraine.  These next few weeks will bring many good-byes, or "see you sometime in the future" instead, as I and many others will be moving away from KCA and Ukraine.  

I am thankful that I will not be leaving Ukraine immediately following the end of school, because I will have time to process my goodbyes to many people before dealing with re-entry shock in America.  In addition, I will have time to enjoy with Ukrainian friends and see some more of the country before I leave.  

In these last weeks, God has been showing me ways in which I need to become more Christlike -- to forgive, to admit I was wrong, to be more humble, to be more patient.  

In the meantime, please pray that my last days in Ukraine will be meaningful.  Pray that I do not "check out" emotionally/socially too soon.  Pray for a smooth transition back to the US as I return and enter grad school at Nazarene Theological Seminary.  Pray that God continues to teach me, and that I remain open to His leading!

Upcoming Dates:
April 19-23: KCA Junior/Senior Trip to Prague -- I will be going along as a chaperone.  Pray for safe travels and an enjoyable time with the students!
May 24: Last Day of School/Graduation

Prayer Requests
*Nazarene mission team transitions:  We have just had a new missionary family leave, one more couple will be arriving, and another family will leave -- all before my own departure in July!
*KCA 6th graders: To deepen their faith and truly know Christ

Praises
*All my financial needs have been met until my departure in July!
*God is showing me what it means to follow Him -- it's not just about the "big" lifelong vocations, but about "little", daily choices to love and forgive
*Time with friends

Thank you again for all your support!  May you remember that your Redeemer lives (Job 19:25)!

In Christ,
Jessica

March 2012 Update

Hello to all from a still-chilly Kiev, Ukraine!

Winter is still here...yesterday it snowed/rained, but the temperature was above freezing.  Here's a look at the past 4 weeks in my life!

KCA Varsity Boys team and fans -- 2nd place in our local league

Teaching...
In my 6th grade Bible class, I have begun using the "Young Peacemakers" curriculum in addition to the regular Bible curriculum.  My students tend to do the bare minimum in their Bible work, and rarely ask in-depth questions or have whole-class discussions on topics (pray that they dive deeper and discuss with each other more), so we have a lot of spare time.  "Young Peacemakers" promotes conflict resolution, and so far we have done 1 unit/lesson on the "slippery slope"--of ways to respond to conflict.  Some of the kids are really getting into it, though I often have to keep them focused on what really matters.
My Precalculus class is finishing a unit on conic sections (parabola, circle, ellipse, hyperbola).  Some of my lessons have gone really well, but there are a lot of details for them to remember for the test (on Tuesday the 13th).

Somebody teach these 6th graders some peacemaking skills!! (Class Day crazy photo)

20 Years: The Church of the Nazarene in Ukraine....
On Friday, I attended a special birthday service for my "home" church here in Kiev.  There were people here from throughout the years, including former Sunday school teachers, current leaders, and even some video greetings from former missionaries.  I really enjoyed seeing photos and hearing stories of the church over the past 2 decades, of how it developed and how everyone looks forward to the next two decades.  Today Pastor Vova told the kids, "Someday you'll be serving in the church, and you'll remember being in Sunday school now."

Here is a video my friend Zee created of photos and videos through the years--I tried to recognize familiar faces as I watched it!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPSRcwGkI9o

Embedded here is a video of a song we sang at this special service.  I love it because it always reminds me of the regional conference in Turkey, holding hands with my fellow Ukrainians.  The chorus goes, "When we're together, we're strong; when we're together, the Lord is among us; when we're together, God's love streams from heaven to us."




Next Steps...
As some of you may already know, this year is my final year serving at KCA.  My students and many Ukrainians know this, but I am announcing it in this update for those of you who have not heard.
I signed a one year contract with KCA and Nazarene Mission Corps, then another, and then one more.  In college, I had considered teaching a year or two abroad before returning to America.
That "year or two" turned into 3, and I will return to America after this school year is finished.  I will be moving to the Kansas City area to complete a master's degree in Intercultural Studies at Nazarene Theological Seminary.  After that, I'm not sure where God will take me! :)  Please keep me in your prayers through this next year of transition. 

Nut/chocolate donut:  7.25грн.  Hot cocoa: 10 грн.  Finding a Dunkin-Donuts type kiosk near church:  Priceless.

Upcoming Dates:
March 24-April 1: KCA spring break
March 18: Teaching English at Obolon
Late April:  Junior/Senior Trip to Prague, Czech Republic (I will be one of 4 chaperones)

Recommended Links (for more stories)
Our Church Can Be Your Home --  Zena's perspective on our church's 20th birthday (with a photo slideshow!)
Amy's Dentist Adventure -- I am the "wonderful roommate" mentioned in the third paragraph about our traveling adventure.  :)
God's Incredibility -- a taxi adventure (at least the fourth one we've had) after Bible study one night

Prayer Requests:

*For a package to get delivered to me that was sent in NOVEMBER.  I suspect some babushka or customs agent somewhere is enjoying what's inside.
*KCA teachers!  Many of us are leaving this year, so there are MANY teaching vacancies!
*Patience and creativity with my students

Praises:
*God has been at work thus far in the history of the Church of the Nazarene in Ukraine, and He is STILL at work!
*Good health during this winter season
*During topsy-turvy times in my life recently, God is still teaching me about forgiveness, trust, and love.

Thank you again for your continued support!

In Christ,
Jessica

February 2012 KCA Update

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Hope that where you are it is much warmer than it is here!  As of right now, the temperature is -11*C (that's 12*F).  Here's a glimpse into the past month in Ukraine:

"Fishtailing" feet and frozen nose hairs
A few weeks ago, the temperature dropped to below -20*C for at least a week.  Sorry, I think in Celsius temperatures now, especially when it's cold: 0* is the freezing point, anything below means there will be ice, and positive temperatures mean puddles.

Walking to the bus stop--it's slippery sometimes, and my feet "fishtail" on the ice

Though it was cold, the sun shone brightly--quite deceptive, but as one of my HS students put it, "the clouds protect us from space" and the cold.  We had hoped for a day off from school due to the cold, but that hasn't happened yet--Ukrainian schools closed for 3 days though!  One morning it was so cold that our bus stalled and wouldn't start again--so we had to catch another bus.

Click here to read about how the cold has affected people in Ukraine and Armenia.

Budapest Basketball Tournament
Our high school students recently competed in an invitational tournament sponsored by the International Christian School of Budapest (ICSB).  Students from schools in Hungary, Austria, Romania, and Ukraine (us!) attended for a two-day tournament.  We traveled by overnight train within Ukraine and then a bus in Hungary -- total distance between the two cities is almost 700 miles.  While there, the Skinners and I were hosted by the Sunberg family--it was so fun to be with them again and spend time with their daughters.

Our girls placed FIRST and our boys ranked THIRD in their divisions!  So great!

Here are some of the highlights of the weekend:
~Train and bus rides with the students and some parents...great conversations and even some good sleep!
~My first times crossing a land border in Europe: going into Hungary it took 3 hours, but coming back only 1!
~Musical KCA students--listening to them sing a cappella in the train station (which had great acoustics), or play guitar while on the train
~Piling into the Sunbergs' car twice a day and hearing/telling stories, even having theological discussions first thing in the morning
~Laughing and playing memory games with the 9th grade girls between basketball games in the Players' Lounge
~Eating Korean "pepero sticks" (cookie sticks)
~Dancing with our Eagle mascot on the court between games
~Seeing a former KCA student and her family--such a surprise! (she was in my 6th grade math class from '09-'10)
~Going to Hungarian church, and hearing Maria preach a great sermon on Luke 15...the only phrase I understood was "Jesus Christ."  But He is the most important one, no matter the language or culture.
~Trying to find our KCA group after church -- the last person we asked about directions spoke Russian!!!
~Seeing wild deer and pheasants in the fields in rural Hungary

Fun Moments at Kids' Club
*One little boy (Danya, maybe) put on a cowboy hat and galloped around the room on his imaginary horse, saying (in Russian) "I'm a cowboy! I'm a cowboy!"
*For the Daniel Bible story one week, I prepared questions, and wasn't even nervous about asking 10-15 kids/adults questions in Russian!
*Katya (age 7 1/2) "styled" my hair one day--by messing it all up.  I asked her, "Am I pretty?" "Oh, yes."  "VERY pretty?"  "Yes."  Then she said something about a wedding, I guess that she could style my hair for my wedding.
*Some of the kids are giving me hugs throughout the day, just because--I hug them back, knowing that's an easy way to communicate Christ's love.

Katya, Katya, Dasha, Dima, and Danya

Upcoming Dates
*Feb 19: English at Obolon
*Week of Feb 27: Basketball season ends
*March 24: First full day of spring break!

Prayer Requests
~KCA seniors as they transition to college life in America--a foreign country to them, even if they have US passports
~For me to focus on God and spending time with Him regularly
~NTS coursework (History and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene): To balance my time well, and to use my time wisely in addition to all my other responsibilities here in Kiev

Praises
~During a time of feeling left out this weekend, God provided opportunities for me to serve others, to listen to their stories, and otherwise keep my eyes off of myself!
~No fines or trouble for anyone at the border crossings
~A great time in Budapest, including no major injuries

Thank you again for all your support!
In Christ,
Jessica

January 2012 update

Happy New Year!  С новым годом!

I've been back in Ukraine for about 2 weeks now, and it's been nice to settle back into life in "my" city.

Reverse Culture Shock
Each time I return to America, there are things that stick out to me because they are so different than in Ukraine.  As I defined it a few years ago, reverse culture shock is "when you miss the familiarity of the unfamiliar (Ukraine), and the familiar (America) is suddenly unfamiliar."  This holiday, I felt the least amount of reverse culture shock of all my return trips -- perhaps I've finally adjusted to switching between cultures seamlessly.

Here are some things that "shocked" me...
*Strangers (especially in small towns) are friendly--they'll wave at you from across the street even if they have no idea who you are!
*(Many) Americans are loud.  My friend and I could hear the Dunkin Donuts cashiers' conversation from the other end of the building where we were sitting.
*Sunshine at 5pm, and 60*F weather on New Year's Eve!
*My mom's oven was electric and took only a minute or two to pre-heat.  Our oven in Ukraine is gas, requires us to light it with a lighter, and takes MANY minutes to pre-heat.
*The Dominos menu is different (besides being in another language)
*Restaurants or public areas in America don't advertise Wifi as often as places in Ukraine, and it's usually not offered/available as much.
*My church service was REALLY short (about 1 1/4 hour instead of about 2 hours or more), and it felt like we kept standing and sitting and standing and sitting....
*When stepping out of the shower, over the side of the tub, I didn't have to step down.  In Ukraine, the floor of my shower is about 6" higher than the bathroom floor.

This is just a taste of how I have to adjust when I switch between countries.  The important thing in all of this is my attitude of flexibility -- as the Youth in Mission motto goes, "That's different, but that's okay."

Despite these "shocks," my time in America was relaxing.  I saw many of my friends and family.  Also, during previous visits to America over Christmas, I've shared an update on life in Ukraine to my church (Chestertown, MD) in an evening service.  This time, my time was only about 5 minutes long, in a morning service--it was nice not having to prepare a longer message -- made me really feel like I was on vacation!  :)

Decorations at Kyiv First Church

KCA Semester #2 has begun!
This year, in contrast to my previous two years at KCA, we gave exams for first semester BEFORE Christmas break.  Although those days were crazy, the students really looked forward to their Christmas break -- because they didn't have exams looming in the near future.  When 2012 began, they had a fresh start to the new year!

On the 21st, I attended an Alumni basketball game (girls), when any returning KCA alumni has the opportunity to play on a team against current HS basketball team members.  Some girls had graduated in 2009, and others had graduated in 2011 -- some had never played basketball on the same team before!  It was so great to end 2011 with these families and former students, watching a basketball game for fun!

So now, we are in the second semester.  Basketball season is getting into full swing.  My geometry students are happy that they don't have to do proofs anymore.  Two of my precalculus students have returned from a semester in the US.  Today (15-Jan), it snowed a few inches, enough for the kids in the neighborhood to sled on a tiny hill.

This photo is NOT in black and white!  (Taken at 10:30 am)

"You prayed for....":  Updates from last month's prayer requests

You prayed for...
*Hope House girls.
Due to decisions made by the leadership in Odessa, Amy and I won't be going back until the missionaries from Canada return in the spring.  We are uncertain of how this ministry will continue to take shape, but we miss the girls and are sad that we cannot continue to build relationships with them each month.  More prayer would be appreciated, as we pray about how to minister to the girls -- to help them grow in their relationships with God and to serve others.
You prayed for...
*KCA MS/HS students taking semester exams.
I overheard one high school student saying, "This is the most anticipated Christmas break ever"--since they didn't have to worry about exams!
You prayed about...
*Holiday travel.
When I was flying back to Ukraine, we had a very turbulent approach to the runway in Munich, Germany--it was the worst feeling ever!  BUT through the landing, I just listened to worship music on my iPod to distract myself (shh, don't tell the airline) and clung to God, remembering His promises.  (I survived, in case you couldn't tell.)
You prayed for...
*More flexibility, and a Christ-like attitude when things don't happen according to my expectations

This is a lesson that I am constantly learning.  I'm thankful for people in my life that are there to support me and pray for me, and that are sometimes learning the lesson right along with me!  A common theme recently in my life is realizing I need to rely on God more -- through the challenges and through the easy times.

Upcoming Dates
January 22 -- English at Obolon
Early February -- the beginning of my online NTS course: "History and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene"

Prayer Requests
*Love for my students, and creativity in teaching
*That my relationship with Christ would be the MOST important thing in my life
*Friends back in America who are hurting (for various reasons)

Praises
*A restful Christmas holiday
*Understanding most of the Russian Bible study I attended last week (well, the parts that I paid attention to)
*Time with friends here in Ukraine...visiting them at their house, hosting Bible study here, or just hanging out

Thank you so much for your support throughout the past few months (and years)!  May you have a wonderful 2012!

In Christ,
Jessica

December 2011 KCA/Ukraine Update

Christmas greetings to you!

My next update will be from the New Year, so I send Christmas greetings now.  The past few weeks have been extremely busy—I’m glad that a couple weeks’ vacation from school is on the horizon!

Speaking of vacations….
For the Thanksgiving holiday, I traveled to Budapest to visit the Sunberg family.  Ukraine recently changed its visa system, and I thought that I would need a new visa.  As it turns out, my old one is still good, and I had a few days to simply relax and celebrate Thanksgiving.

Hanging out in Heroes' Square in downtown Budapest--it was COLD! (photo by Teanna) 

Lexi (an MK who had been at NYC this summer) and I also hung out, watching our favorite TV show and going to a used (English) bookstore together.  During my layover in Vienna, I had ice cream with my friend Natasha from Kiev – she and her husband used to host a Bible study I attended.  The long weekend was a nice time of relaxing and refueling before the mad dash at the end of the semester!

High School students after Snow-Ball 2011

KCA Life
On December 3, KCA held its annual Snow-Ball.  This event is a semi-formal banquet for all high school students, and the girls invite the guys (Sadie Hawkins-style).  After dinner and a senior trivia game, the students change clothes and play all kinds of active games in the gym.  My roommate and I (and another teacher) were chaperones, helping with set-up of food, clean-up, and games.  It was a lot of fun to hang out with these students, and to learn some little known facts about the seniors!
My 6th grade Bible class has been going better than before -- I am trying to involve the students more by asking them questions to get them thinking about God's Word.  Reading the Scripture on their own before we discuss as a class gives them more time to think/process, then I can ask them about applying it to their own lives.

6th graders (Zoe, Chae Hee, Andre, Kolya, Paul) collaborating during their exam review game

Hope House visit #2
The week before our second Hope House visit was fraught with many uncertainties--and made us practice flexibility!  Once there, Amy and I kept our English lessons short, because the girls had been at a church all-nighter.  After dinner, our Bible lesson was on Hannah and her dream of having a child.  We discussed our dreams, and what the girls said was revealing of their culture and their life circumstances.  They dream of finishing university, learning English to be an interpreter, to marry and have an apartment, having a car, to teach art to kids.  Despite having had hard lives, these girls can still dream – especially since these things aren’t “givens” for them.  Praise God for the hope that He brings to our lives!

This is where we get off the bus in the evenings -- by the camels.  :)

Another link in the banana box trail...
Some of you may remember my story of seeing the entire path of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.  My home church in America, Chestertown, MD, has a "packing house" where banana boxes of clothes and Crisis Care Kits (CCKs) are organized, labeled, and then taken to the NCM warehouse in Fawn Grove.  During my YIM trip to Ukraine in 2008, I saw empty banana boxes that had come from the US, loaded full boxes from the church onto a truck, and then saw kids wearing shirts with the names of 2 churches on my district.  To see the process all the way through was pretty neat, though I never got to see the kids receive anything.

Today (12/15) at Kids' Club, when the kids were about to leave to go home, Sveta told them, "We have a gift for you from the church," and put a banana box on the table.  Each child received their own Crisis Care Kit!  These kids were--of course--more interested in the stuffed animal than the toiletries.  "It's scented!" the kids realized, and sniffed their toys.  No kidding -- it's been in a Ziploc bag with shampoo and soap for weeks or months! :)

Anya/Anna

The kids looked at each other's bags and toys, showing each other what they got.  I heard "Спасибо" (Spasibo--thank you) repeated multiple times by the kids.  Anya, pictured above, was showing the adults her sunflower bear.  It was so cool for me to see these kids receive the CCKs -- I have been going to Kids' Club for about a month and a half now, so I know some of these kids and some of their stories.  I've helped them make crafts when they just can't do it themselves, tried to keep them from touching the snack ingredients too much, and have tried to show Christ's love even when they drive me nuts.

On behalf of these kids, I would like to thank you for sending banana boxes of clothes and CCKs throughout the world.  You may never meet these kids, know their stories, or watch their expressions as they receive this gift.  These DO make a difference, no matter how simple it seems.

~Jessica

Upcoming Dates:
December 19-21: Semester exams for KCA middle/high school students
December 22-January 4:  America for Christmas break!

Prayer Requests:
*Hope House girls—for their studies (to pass exams).  Their church needs a youth leader.  They want their relatives to know God.  Pray for their character development.
*KCA MS/HS students taking semester exams on the 19th, 20th, 21st
*Holiday travel: KCA alumni are returning home for Christmas and New Year's, and other families/teachers are traveling to America or elsewhere
*More flexibility, and a Christ-like attitude when things don't happen according to my expectations

Praises:
*Spending time with friends and fellow teachers
*6th grade Bible class -- discussion is improving!
*my Russian skills are improving -- I prayed a few sentences in Russian at the home Bible study last week!